President Donald Trump spoke at his State of the Union on February 24, drawing around 32.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen. This number is notable for being lower than his previous addresses. In 2017, Trump attracted an impressive 47.7 million viewers, marking his peak.
Trump’s speech wasn’t just long; it was a marathon, clocking in at 1 hour and 47 minutes. His performance prompted applause from the Republican side, while Democrats largely remained quiet.
Interestingly, the record for the most viewers goes to former President Bill Clinton, who captivated 66.9 million in 1993. Over the years, viewership numbers have generally declined.
Here’s how demographics broke down during Trump’s latest address:
– 2 million were aged 18-34
– Nearly 6 million were aged 35-54
– About 24 million were 55 and older
This time, Trump’s audience was 4 million less than his 2025 address to Congress. For comparison, Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021 attracted about 33.8 million viewers, while his last State of the Union in March 2024 had around 32.2 million.
Key viewers are increasingly shifting towards streaming platforms. According to Nielsen’s updated ratings methodology, an increasing number of people opt for streaming instead of traditional television. This change may explain the overall decline in viewership for such major national events.
As the landscape of media consumption continues to evolve, experts highlight the importance of adapting strategies for engagement. Analyst Sarah Williams notes, “The way people consume media is changing rapidly. It’s crucial for speakers to engage viewers where they are, including online platforms.”
With each address, the challenge remains how to capture the attention of a diverse and shifting audience. The dynamics of viewership will be an interesting trend to watch in the years to come.
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